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Part of G.I. Jobs 50 States of Opportunity for Veterans series.
Using the Military Friendly® States Tool, this series explores what makes each state unique and why it may be the perfect place to begin your next mission.
Maine at a Glance
Veteran Population: 95,013 Veterans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020–2024 estimates.
Veteran Unemployment: Maine’s 2025 Veteran unemployment estimate was not publishable because of the size of the survey sample. The state’s overall unemployment rate was 3.1% in July 2026.
Median Home Value: $296,600 statewide, 2020–2024.
Median Gross Rent: $1,139 per month statewide, 2020–2024.
Median Household Income: $74,733, 2020–2024, in 2024 dollars.
Employment: Maine had approximately 660,800 nonfarm jobs in July 2026, with particularly large employment bases in education and health services, trade/transportation/utilities, professional and business services, manufacturing and government.
Veteran-Owned Businesses: 1,900 Veteran-owned employer firms, according to 2023 Census data.
VA Access: VA Maine Healthcare System operates 10 locations, including Togus VA Medical Center and outpatient or access clinics throughout the state.
Best For: Veterans who want a strong New England Veteran community, shipbuilding and defense opportunities, healthcare careers, outdoor recreation and a quieter pace of life.
The Short Version
Maine is an interesting choice for Veterans who want something different from the giant Sun Belt military markets. It has a smaller overall economy, but it punches above its weight in shipbuilding, healthcare, manufacturing, government and outdoor recreation. The tradeoff is that Maine isn’t uniformly inexpensive—Portland and some coastal communities can be surprisingly expensive, and rural areas can mean fewer jobs and longer drives for specialized healthcare.
Table of Contents
- Veteran Snapshot
- Why Veterans Choose Maine
- Maine by the Numbers
- Employment Outlook for Veterans
- If Your MOS Was…
- Education Opportunities
- Veteran Benefits in Maine
- Healthcare & VA Resources
- Best Cities for Veterans
- Cost of Living
- Outdoor Recreation & Veteran Lifestyle
- Veteran Reality Check
- 3 Things to Know Before Moving to Maine
- Pros & Cons
- Is Maine Right for You?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Veteran Snapshot
Maine is one of those states that can be easy to underestimate.
It doesn’t have the enormous active-duty population of Texas, Florida, Virginia or North Carolina. You won’t find a massive cluster of sprawling military installations stretching across the state.
But Maine has something Veterans may appreciate just as much: a military community that is woven into the state’s identity without completely defining it.
The Census Bureau counted 95,013 Veterans in Maine between 2020 and 2024.
And then there is Maine’s history with Veterans.
The Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta opened in 1866, making it the oldest Veterans’ facility in the country. Today, the Togus campus covers more than 500 acres and includes medical services and the Togus National Cemetery. The VA says the medical center serves more than 42,500 Veterans.
Maine also has a significant defense-industrial connection.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is located in Kittery, at the southern tip of the state. The shipyard overhauls, repairs and modernizes the Navy’s nuclear-powered attack submarine fleet. Its civilian workforce includes engineers, electricians, machinists, shipfitters, welders, pipefitters, marine machinery mechanics and many other skilled professionals.
Then there’s Bath Iron Works.
In Bath, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works builds ships for the U.S. Navy and actively recruits Veterans, military spouses and Guard and Reserve members. Its military hiring program specifically highlights the transferability of military skills, and its SkillBridge program is open to transitioning service members across MOSs and ranks.
That combination gives Maine a surprisingly strong military-to-civilian story.
Why Veterans Choose Maine
Maine appeals to Veterans who want to build a life rather than simply find another assignment.
That’s an important distinction.
If you’ve spent years moving from installation to installation, you may eventually start thinking less about proximity to a PX and more about where you actually want your family to live.
Maine offers:
- A sizable Veteran community
- Defense and shipbuilding careers
- Strong healthcare employment
- Access to the coast, lakes and mountains
- A relatively small-city or rural lifestyle
- Meaningful state benefits for Veterans
- Strong education options
- A major VA medical center plus community clinics
- A clear path into skilled trades
The state also has a particularly interesting advantage for Veterans who aren’t finished with their education.
The University of Maine System operates seven campuses with military and Veteran support, including University of Maine, University of Southern Maine, University of Maine at Augusta and others. The system also evaluates military training and experience for potential college credit.
In other words, Maine can work particularly well for someone who wants to combine career, education and lifestyle instead of treating those as separate decisions.
Maine May Be a Great Fit If You…
✓ You want access to defense, shipbuilding or skilled-trade careers.
✓ You prefer smaller cities and communities over sprawling metros.
✓ You enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, camping or skiing.
✓ You want a state with a strong network of Veteran services.
✓ You’re interested in healthcare or public-sector careers.
You May Want to Think Twice If You…
✕ Need a huge civilian job market with hundreds of employers in every industry.
✕ Want warm weather year-round.
✕ Need big-city amenities close to home.
✕ Want to live on the coast but have a tight housing budget.
✕ Don’t want to deal with long winters.
Maine by the Numbers
Here’s what the data looks like before you start packing the moving truck.
| Metric | Maine |
|---|---|
| Population, 2025 estimate | 1,414,874 |
| Veterans, 2020–2024 | 95,013 |
| Median home value | $296,600 |
| Median gross rent | $1,139 |
| Median household income | $74,733 |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | 36.2% |
| Veteran-owned employer firms | 1,900 |
| Statewide unemployment, July 2026 | 3.1% |
| Average commute | 24.6 minutes |
Census figures are 2020–2024 estimates unless otherwise noted.
One thing stands out: Maine’s statewide housing numbers don’t tell the entire story.
A Veteran looking at Portland will see a dramatically different housing market than someone looking at Bangor or a smaller community farther north.
That’s one of the biggest themes to keep in mind when evaluating Maine.
The state is not one housing market.
Employment Outlook for Veterans
Maine’s economy isn’t built around one dominant industry.
That’s good news for Veterans.
In July 2026, Maine had approximately:
- 138,700 jobs in education and health services
- 119,200 jobs in trade, transportation and utilities
- 77,100 jobs in professional and business services
- 50,900 manufacturing jobs
- 103,000 government jobs
- 71,800 leisure and hospitality jobs
- 34,700 construction jobs
For a Veteran, that translates into more possibilities than you might expect from a state of about 1.4 million people.
Maine’s largest private employers include MaineHealth, Hannaford, Walmart, Bath Iron Works, MaineGeneral Health, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center and L.L.Bean. The Maine Department of Labor’s fourth-quarter 2025 data puts MaineHealth at more than 23,000 employees statewide and Bath Iron Works at 6,001–6,500.
Shipbuilding and Defense
This is where Maine gets particularly interesting.
Bath Iron Works is one of the state’s largest private employers and a natural fit for Veterans with experience in maintenance, engineering, logistics, operations, leadership, quality assurance, electrical systems, welding and other technical fields.
BIW currently lists starting wages of $31.31 per hour for trades positions, with experienced trades potentially starting higher. Its SkillBridge program also advertises starting salaries of $65,000+ for participating positions.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard provides another major defense-related employment hub in Kittery, particularly for skilled trades and engineering.
Healthcare
Healthcare is arguably Maine’s biggest civilian employment story.
MaineHealth alone employs more than 23,000 people statewide, while MaineGeneral Health and Northern Light Health are also among the state’s largest employers.
That creates opportunities for Veterans with medical, administrative, logistics, facilities, emergency response and leadership backgrounds.
Government
Maine’s state government also has a particularly Veteran-friendly hiring policy.
Under Maine law, a qualified Veteran who meets the minimum qualifications for a classified state position must be offered an interview. Maine also extends interview preference to eligible military spouses and Gold Star spouses.
That’s not a guarantee of a job.
It is, however, a meaningful advantage when you’re trying to get your foot in the door.
For Veterans searching for additional opportunities, explore Military Friendly® employers and look for organizations that actively recruit and support military talent.
If Your MOS Was…
One of Maine’s biggest advantages is how easily certain military skills can transfer into its economy.
| Military Background | Civilian Opportunities in Maine |
|---|---|
| Logistics & Supply Chain | Shipbuilding logistics, transportation, distribution, healthcare supply chain, manufacturing |
| Maintenance & Mechanical | Shipbuilding, industrial maintenance, facilities, manufacturing, heavy equipment |
| Medical & Healthcare | Hospitals, clinics, emergency services, healthcare administration, medical logistics |
| IT & Cybersecurity | Healthcare IT, financial technology, software, defense systems, cybersecurity |
| Intelligence & Analysis | Government, defense, security, compliance, business analysis |
| Leadership & Management | Healthcare administration, manufacturing supervision, government, operations and project management |
And this is where Maine’s economy can make military experience particularly useful.
A Veteran who spent years maintaining complex equipment doesn’t necessarily need to start over at the bottom.
A logistics specialist doesn’t have to become an entry-level warehouse worker.
A senior NCO with years of people management doesn’t necessarily need to accept a job titled “assistant manager” just because the civilian world doesn’t understand the rank structure.
The key is translating the experience correctly.
If you’re making that transition, G.I. Jobs’ guide to military resume vs. civilian resume can help you turn military responsibilities into language civilian employers understand.
Education Opportunities
Maine punches above its weight when it comes to education options for Veterans.
The University of Maine System includes seven campuses serving military-connected students, and the system specifically notes that military training and experience may qualify for college-level credit.
A few schools stand out.
University of Maine
The University of Maine in Orono operates a Veterans Center designed to help student Veterans navigate admissions, financial aid, VA education benefits and the transition from military service to college and career.
University of Southern Maine
USM offers in-state tuition to Veterans and active-duty service members regardless of their state of residence when they provide qualifying documentation. Its Military-Affiliated Student Hub also provides benefit counseling, Veterans Resource Centers and a Student Veterans of America chapter.
USM is also a Yellow Ribbon school, according to its Military-Affiliated Student Hub.
Maine Maritime Academy
For Veterans interested in maritime careers, Maine Maritime Academy is an especially obvious fit.
The academy offers programs in areas including engineering, management, science and transportation, making it particularly relevant to Veterans interested in maritime operations, logistics and technical careers.
Southern Maine Community College
SMCC is another interesting option for Veterans looking for a shorter path into a career.
The school was founded in 1946 to serve World War II Veterans and continues to provide Veteran-specific support, including priority registration and a Veterans Resource Center.
Before choosing a school, compare Military Friendly® schools and look at GI Bill approval, Yellow Ribbon participation, Veteran services, transfer credit and the actual program you’re considering.
And before enrolling, make sure you understand your GI Bill benefits.
Veteran Benefits in Maine
Maine has some benefits that are genuinely useful rather than simply sounding good on a state website.
Military Retirement Pay
For military retirees, one of Maine’s biggest financial advantages is straightforward: military retirement pay is fully exempt from Maine income tax.
That’s worth factoring into a relocation decision if you’re comparing Maine with other New England states.
Property Tax Benefits
Eligible Veterans may qualify for a $6,000 property tax exemption on the just value of a home. The eligibility rules include certain wartime service and age or disability requirements.
Maine also provides a larger exemption for certain Veterans with qualifying specially adapted housing.
The exemption isn’t automatic, so Veterans should check the requirements with their local assessor.
Education for Dependents
This is one of Maine’s more significant family benefits.
Maine’s Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits program can provide a 100% waiver of tuition and mandatory fees for qualifying spouses and dependents of Veterans who meet specific requirements, including certain Veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability. The program applies at eligible schools in the University of Maine System, Maine Community College System and Maine Maritime Academy.
Outdoor Benefits
And then Maine does something very Maine:
It gives eligible resident Veterans a free Lifetime State Park and Museum Pass.
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 50% may also qualify for a complimentary lifetime hunting, fishing and trapping license, subject to the state’s eligibility rules. Eligible disabled Veterans can also receive free family camping at Maine State Parks and Public Lands.
That’s a pretty useful benefit if your ideal retirement plan involves a tent, a fishing pole and absolutely no conference calls.
Home Financing
MaineHousing’s SaluteME program offers qualified active-duty service members, Veterans and retired military personnel a 0.50% discount to its already-low First Home Loan 30-year fixed interest rate. MaineHousing also waives the first-time-homebuyer requirement for Veterans who have previously owned a home.
That’s worth investigating before assuming a conventional mortgage is your only option.
For a broader comparison of state benefits, use the Military Friendly® States Tool.
Healthcare & VA Resources
This is one area where Maine has a significant advantage.
The Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta is the center of VA healthcare in the state. It provides primary care, specialty care, mental health services, long-term care and other services.
VA Maine Healthcare System operates 10 locations:
- Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta
- Bangor
- Calais
- Lewiston
- Lincoln
- Portland
- Presque Isle
- Rumford
- Fort Kent
- Houlton
That statewide footprint matters because Maine is geographically spread out and rural in large sections.
If you’re thinking about moving to northern or rural Maine, don’t simply look at the distance to the nearest city. Look at the distance to the VA services you actually use.
The good news is that VA Maine also offers telehealth services across multiple specialties, and eligible Veterans may qualify for travel reimbursement when they have to travel significant distances for VA care.
Maine also has a network of Veteran Services Officers who can help Veterans and families navigate VA benefits, state programs, healthcare, education and employment resources.
Best Cities for Veterans
Maine’s best place to live depends heavily on what you want your civilian life to look like.
Portland
Best for: Jobs, healthcare, restaurants and city amenities
Portland is Maine’s largest city and offers the broadest civilian job market in the state.
But there is a price for that convenience.
The city’s 2020–2024 median owner-occupied home value was $489,600, while median gross rent was $1,577. Portland had about 2,561 Veterans during the same period.
If your priority is career variety, healthcare, restaurants, culture and access to a larger metro area, Portland is compelling.
If you’re trying to stretch a Veteran salary as far as possible, shop around.
Bangor
Best for: Lower housing costs, healthcare and northern Maine access
Bangor is a very different proposition.
The 2020–2024 median home value was $219,600, with median gross rent of $1,055. The city had about 2,059 Veterans.
Bangor also benefits from Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center and its position as a regional hub for northern Maine.
For Veterans who want access to healthcare and city services without Portland prices, Bangor deserves a serious look.
Augusta
Best for: Government careers and central Maine
Augusta is Maine’s capital and home to the state’s government workforce as well as the Togus VA Medical Center.
The city had about 1,375 Veterans in the 2020–2024 period.
It’s a particularly logical choice for Veterans interested in government careers, public administration or healthcare.
And if access to VA services is a priority, being near Togus is an obvious advantage.
Brunswick/Bath
Best for: Shipbuilding, defense and coastal living
This is one of the most interesting areas for Veterans with technical or military-industrial backgrounds.
Bath Iron Works is in Bath, while BIW also operates facilities in the Brunswick area. The shipyard offers careers across manufacturing, trades, engineering, design, facilities and professional services.
Brunswick had about 1,389 Veterans in the 2020–2024 period, with a median owner-occupied home value of $376,300.
It’s a strong option if you want a coastal lifestyle without being directly in Portland.
Kittery
Best for: Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and southern Maine
Kittery is home to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, making it particularly attractive for Veterans who want to stay connected to the defense industry.
But proximity comes with a housing tradeoff.
Kittery’s median owner-occupied home value was $468,500 and median gross rent was $1,716 in the 2020–2024 Census estimates.
It also sits close to the New Hampshire border and within reach of Boston, making it a very different market from central or northern Maine.
Cost of Living
Maine isn’t the bargain some people imagine.
It also isn’t uniformly expensive.
The statewide median owner-occupied home value is $296,600, and median gross rent is $1,139. Median household income is $74,733.
But look at the city-level differences:
| Location | Median Home Value | Median Gross Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Maine statewide | $296,600 | $1,139 |
| Portland | $489,600 | $1,577 |
| Bangor | $219,600 | $1,055 |
| Brunswick | $376,300 | Not listed in available QuickFacts result |
| Kittery | $468,500 | $1,716 |
The lesson is simple:
Don’t decide whether Maine is affordable based on one statewide number.
If you’re willing to live outside Portland and the most expensive coastal communities, your options change considerably.
For a Veteran family, that can mean choosing between a larger job market and lower housing costs.
The right answer depends on your career.
Outdoor Recreation & Veteran Lifestyle
This is where Maine earns its reputation.
After years of deployments, duty stations, formations and fluorescent-lit offices, there is something pretty appealing about having a Saturday that involves a lake instead of a briefing.
Maine offers:
- Hiking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Boating
- Skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Beaches
- Lakes
- Mountains
- State parks
- Historic sites
- Coastal towns
And Veterans have an unusually good reason to take advantage of the state’s outdoor resources.
Eligible Maine Veterans can receive a free Lifetime State Park and Museum Pass, while qualifying disabled Veterans can receive free hunting and fishing licenses and family camping benefits.
For a Veteran family, that can make Maine’s outdoor lifestyle considerably more affordable.
And you don’t necessarily have to live in the middle of nowhere to enjoy it.
Portland gives you urban amenities with relatively easy access to the coast and outdoor recreation. Bangor puts you closer to northern Maine and the Katahdin region. Brunswick gives you coastal access and proximity to the western Maine mountains.
Maine’s biggest lifestyle advantage may simply be the ability to change your scenery dramatically without leaving the state.
Veteran Reality Check
Maine has a lot going for it.
But don’t move here because you’ve seen a beautiful photo of Acadia National Park.
The reality is more complicated.
First, the job market is smaller.
Maine had about 660,800 nonfarm jobs in July 2026. That’s a substantial employment base, but it isn’t comparable to a giant state like Texas or California.
If you’re in a highly specialized career, research the job market before you move.
Second, rural Maine is actually rural.
That can be exactly what you want.
It can also mean a longer drive to a hospital, airport, major employer or specialized service.
Third, coastal Maine can get expensive.
Portland and Kittery demonstrate how quickly housing costs can climb.
Fourth, winter is not a joke.
If you spent your military career somewhere warm, you may want to spend some time in Maine during February before committing to the move.
3 Things Veterans Should Know Before Moving to Maine
1. Look beyond Portland.
Portland has the jobs, restaurants and amenities, but it’s not the only place worth considering.
Bangor, Augusta, Brunswick/Bath and communities throughout central and northern Maine can offer very different combinations of cost, employment and lifestyle.
2. Your military skills could be more valuable here than you think.
Shipbuilding, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics and government all have natural connections to military experience.
Don’t assume you need to start over.
3. Research the benefits before you move.
Military retirement tax treatment, property tax exemptions, dependent education benefits, outdoor recreation benefits and MaineHousing’s SaluteME program can all affect the financial picture.
But eligibility matters.
Don’t build your relocation budget around a benefit until you’ve confirmed that you qualify.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✓ Military retirement pay is fully exempt from Maine income tax.
✓ Strong defense and shipbuilding employment opportunities.
✓ Nearly 95,000 Veterans statewide.
✓ Extensive VA healthcare network.
✓ Strong healthcare employment base.
✓ 100% tuition and fee waiver available to qualifying dependents through Maine’s VDEB program.
✓ Free Lifetime State Park and Museum Pass for eligible resident Veterans.
✓ Strong outdoor recreation.
✓ Veteran interview preference for qualified applicants for Maine state jobs.
Cons
✕ Smaller overall civilian job market than many major Veteran-population states.
✕ Housing costs can be high in Portland and desirable coastal communities.
✕ Rural areas may have fewer jobs and specialized services.
✕ Long winters.
✕ Geographic distance can matter more than it looks on a map.
Is Maine Right for You?
Maine makes the most sense for a Veteran who wants career opportunity without giving up quality of life.
It’s particularly compelling if your background is in shipbuilding, engineering, maintenance, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, government or skilled trades.
It’s also a strong option for Veterans who want to settle somewhere with a genuine outdoor lifestyle.
The state’s benefits add another layer of value, particularly for military retirees, qualifying disabled Veterans and families who may benefit from education or recreation programs.
But Maine isn’t a universal answer.
If your career requires a huge metropolitan job market, you may find the state limiting. If your priority is inexpensive housing on the coast, you may also be disappointed.
The best version of Maine for a Veteran may not be the postcard version.
It may be a house outside Bangor.
A job at a shipyard in Bath.
A career in healthcare in Augusta.
A home near the coast in Brunswick.
Or a quieter community where the biggest Saturday decision is whether to go fishing or hiking.
That’s the point of this series.
The best state isn’t necessarily the state with the biggest military population or the longest list of benefits.
It’s the state that fits the life you’re actually trying to build.
The G.I. Jobs Take
Maine is a particularly strong choice for Veterans who want a smaller-state lifestyle, meaningful military-connected career opportunities and serious access to the outdoors.
The combination of shipbuilding, healthcare, Veteran benefits, education options and VA infrastructure makes Maine more compelling than its size might suggest.
Just do your homework on housing and employment before you move.
If you can find the right community and the right job, Maine can offer something Veterans don’t always find after service: a place that feels like home rather than another assignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maine a good state for Veterans?
Yes. Maine offers a sizable Veteran population, strong VA healthcare access, defense and shipbuilding jobs, Veteran-specific state benefits, education opportunities and extensive outdoor recreation.
What are the best cities in Maine for Veterans?
Portland, Bangor, Augusta, Brunswick/Bath and Kittery each offer different advantages. Portland has the broadest civilian job market, Bangor offers lower housing costs, Augusta provides access to state government and Togus VA, Brunswick/Bath is strong for shipbuilding, and Kittery is ideal for Veterans interested in Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Does Maine tax military retirement pay?
No. Military retirement benefits, including survivor benefits, are fully exempt from Maine income tax.
What Veteran benefits does Maine offer?
Maine offers a range of benefits, including property tax exemptions for qualifying Veterans, education benefits for eligible dependents, a Lifetime State Park and Museum Pass, certain hunting and fishing benefits, housing assistance and Veteran employment services.
Does Maine offer education benefits to Veteran dependents?
Yes. Qualifying spouses and dependents may receive a 100% waiver of tuition and mandatory fees through the Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits program at eligible Maine public institutions.
What jobs are in demand for Veterans in Maine?
Veterans may find opportunities in healthcare, shipbuilding, manufacturing, logistics, government, construction, professional services, information technology and skilled trades. Maine’s largest private employers include major healthcare organizations and Bath Iron Works.
Is Maine affordable for Veteran families?
It depends heavily on where you live. The statewide median home value is $296,600, but Portland and Kittery have substantially higher housing costs. Veterans should compare individual communities rather than relying solely on statewide averages.
Does Maine have good VA healthcare?
Maine has a statewide VA healthcare network with Togus VA Medical Center and nine additional outpatient or access locations. VA Maine also offers telehealth and travel reimbursement for eligible Veterans who must travel for care.
Are there Military Friendly® schools in Maine?
Yes. Maine has multiple schools with Military Friendly® designations, including the University of Maine, University of Southern Maine, Maine Maritime Academy, Southern Maine Community College and others. Veterans can use the Military Friendly® Schools search tool to compare current designations and school features.
Is Maine a good place to retire as a Veteran?
Maine can be a strong retirement choice for Veterans who value outdoor recreation, a quieter lifestyle and access to Veteran services. Military retirement pay is exempt from Maine income tax, and eligible Veterans can take advantage of state recreation and property-tax benefits.
How Does Maine Compare?
Maine is only one option.
That’s why we built the Best States for Veterans series.
Maybe Maine checks every box.
Maybe you love the idea of shipbuilding and mountains but need a larger job market.
Maybe the tax treatment looks great but the winters don’t.
Maybe your spouse needs a particular career market.
Or maybe you’ve decided that your ideal post-military life involves a house, a boat, a stack of firewood and absolutely no interest in rush hour.
The right answer is different for every Veteran.
Use the Military Friendly® States Tool to compare Maine with the other states you’re considering.
Up Next:
We’ve covered Maine. Next up, we’ll look at what Maryland has to offer Veterans—from its proximity to Washington, D.C., to its defense, federal and technology-driven economy.
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